the introduction of three new notifications requirements for NCAs: notification in case of intention to authorise an undertaking with cross-border activities, in case an undertaking carrying out cross-border activity shows deteriorating financial conditions or other emerging risks which may have cross-border effects and in case of serious and reasoned concerns with regard to consumer protection;
a more active role of EIOPA in the information exchange to allow the identification of potential risks at the earliest possible stage as well as to foster proactive supervision and timely supervisory actions; and
the clarification of the role of NCAs and EIOPA in the process of setting up and running cooperation platforms.
The new Decision is key for achieving consistent supervisory practices to enhance preventive consumer protection across the European Union. Increased cross-border activities in the internal market and the growing internationalisation of business activities require a sound exchange of information and show that a strong, close and timely collaboration between insurance supervisory authorities is needed.
The new Decision will start applying from 1 July 2021 onwards. EIOPA will continue to monitor the implementation of the Decision and will use its supervisory convergence tools to ensure a consistent application across the European Union.
Background
The amended Decision replaces the Decision of the Board of Supervisors on the collaboration of the insurance supervisory authorities of the Member States of the European Economic Area (EIOPA-BoS-17/013) of 30 January 2017. It takes into account the requirements defined in the Solvency II Directive, the recommendations to EIOPA from the Peer Review on Collaboration, and EIOPA’s own experience in the implementation of the previous Decision.
In December 2019, the Solvency II Directive introduced new notifications requirements for NCAs in case of undertaking carrying out cross-border activities in another member state (Article 152a) and defined the regulatory framework for the cooperation platforms (Article 152b) previously established on the basis of the Decision on collaboration.
A cooperation platform is set up when EIOPA and relevant national supervisory authorities see the merit in strengthening cooperation in case of material cross-border business in order to enable a sound internal market in the European Union. The platforms allow home supervisors to make use of expertise and knowledge about local market specificities from host supervisors.
The European Union’s (EU) ambassador to Skopje, David Gere, called on the country’s authorities to resolve the dispute with Bulgaria so that accession talks can begin.
“Where are we at the moment? There is a proposal from the Portuguese presidency that aims to move the process forward. There is some progress, but we have to move towards that goal. At the same time, there are constructive discussions between Sofia and Skopje. You need to focus on the real opportunities and bilateral relations between RS Macedonia and Bulgaria in order to make progress,” Gere said.
“These are the rules of the game. It must be understood that this is an invitation to a third country to join the club. To sit at the table and make decisions”.
“This topic is very important,” said the ambassador, referring to Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev’s statement that “Europe has a problem stemming from the EU itself. “
“PCM and Bulgaria must continue the dialogue. It is very important that both countries continue their efforts to resolve the issue. Bilateral issues are open. In this situation, as in the past, we encourage both sides to resolve these issues bilaterally.”
“This is not the first time this has happened with the membership of a country that has bilateral disputes that have been resolved and then the countries concerned have become members of the EU. I am convinced that this issue can be resolved and we will see the PCM as EU member,” Gere told local TV Sitel.
The ambassador stressed that the EU’s strategic goal is for the PCM to be part of the European Union. Gere called on the authorities in Skopje to continue with the reforms, as this would ensure the start of accession talks.
European Commission Press release Brussels, 30 Jun 2021 The European Commission has today appointed Professor Maria Leptin as the next President of the European Research Council (ERC).
European Commission Press release Brussels, 30 Jun 2021 Today, in the framework of the Technical Support Instrument Annual Conference, the Commission has launched a new Technical Support Instrument (TSI) call for Member States to support their reform projects in 2022.
European Commission Press release Brussels, 30 Jun 2021 Today, the European Commission has proposed revisions of two sets of EU rules to enhance consumer rights in a world reshaped by digitalisation and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The European Asylum Support Office (EASO) welcomes today’s political agreement reached by the Portuguese Presidency of the Council of the EU and the European Parliament, together with the European Commission, on a new enhanced mandate that will re-establish the Agency as the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA).
The agreement sends a strong signal that the EU is committed to working in the spirit of compromise in order to improve asylum management. It is the first of the European Commission’s proposals for the reform of the Common European Asylum System (CEAS) to be agreed to by co-legislators and EASO hopes that the development will serve to drive progress on the other files.
Commenting on the agreement, EASO’s Executive Director, Nina Gregori, stated: “I am delighted that through engagement with all stakeholders, Europe will soon have an asylum agency that will continue building on EASO’s successes of the past years. It is a significant step in creating the world’s only multinational asylum system. The implications of this development cannot be understated. The EUAA will be in a position to provide stronger operational and technical assistance to any Member State in managing challenges associated with asylum and reception, in line with the EU standards. Importantly, this will also lead to improved conditions for people in need of international protection.”
The new EUAA mandate will result in numerous benefits to the proper implementation of the CEAS, including by:
Enabling the Agency to deploy personnel to operations quicker;
Establishing a mandatory reserve pool of 500 Member State experts to be available in the case of disproportionate pressures;
Providing for EUAA Training to include new topics, including the clearer inclusion of reception;
Allowing the Agency to produce stronger and more practical technical tools, coordinate common analysis and publish Country Guidance;
Establishing the independent position of a Fundamental Rights Officer to ensure respect for fundamental rights in all activities of the Agency;
Enhancing the role, and independence, of the Consultative Forum of Civil Society Organisations;
Establishing EUAA liaison officers in Member States, as well as in third countries;
Providing the EUAA with a stronger ability to support third countries in their capacity building;
Establishing a Complaints Mechanism; and
Establishing a Monitoring Mechanism, in the future, which will allow the EUAA to monitor the operational and technical application of the CEAS.
EASO looks forward to the formal approval of the final text by the Council of the EU and the European Parliament, and its subsequent publication in the Official Journal of the European Union, in anticipation of the mandate entering into effect later this year.
The Agency’s transition programme is already well under way with a view to be ready to begin implementing the main elements of its new mandate from day one.
Any further information may be obtained from the European Asylum Support Office on the following email address: press@easo.europa.eu
Countries have readily employed innovative technologies throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to support the implementation of public health and social measures. Digital proximity tracing—using smartphones or purpose-built devices to capture anonymized interactions between individuals then issuing alerts—emerged during the pandemic as a new means of support to government-led programmes for contact tracing.
ECDC and WHO developed this indicator framework in consultation with public health experts globally. The framework will provide countries with a standardized approach for evaluating their use of digital proximity tracing solutions. It will also assess the extent to which these solutions have aided national contact tracing strategies for COVID-19.
“This new indicator framework has been developed through a strong collaboration between ECDC and WHO. It offers countries a standardized approach to gather the evidence and assess the contribution that digital proximity tracing technology has made to large-scale contact tracing efforts for COVID-19. We anticipate that it will become an invaluable tool,”
said Dr Natasha Azzopardi-Muscat, Director of the Division of Country Health Policies and Systems at WHO/Europe.
“Digital proximity tracing technology is a new tool for a new challenge – COVID-19. It is vital that we evaluate its public health effectiveness in order to understand how best to use this technology right now as well as for future pandemics,”
said Vicky Lefevre, Head of Unit for Public Health Functions at the ECDC.
“This indicator framework provides a concrete approach for countries to gather and evaluate evidence on the use and performance of national digital proximity tracing solutions. This knowledge will be vital in our understanding of the public health impact that such approaches have had during the COVID-19 pandemic and their potential to be applied in mitigating future public health threats”
said Soumya Swaminathan, Chief Scientist, World Health Organization.
The framework proposes a list of indicators to assist public health authorities in measuring:
the extent to which digital proximity tracing solutions have been used;
the extent to which they have been successful in detecting contacts at risk of infection;
the speed at which digital proximity tracing approaches can notify potential contacts, when compared to conventional contact tracing; and
The Hungarian law bans all educational materials and programs for children that are considered to promote homosexuality, gender reassignment and the concept of sexuality deviating from the one assigned to a person at birth. It has been met with fierce criticism from other members of the European Union.
Zeman said interference in internal affairs of any EU member country is a gross political mistake, and he defended Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. “I do not see a reason not to agree with him,” Zeman said.
He later added: “I can understand gays, lesbians and so on. But do you know who I do not understand at all? These transgender people.”
Zeman described transgender people as “intrinsically disgusting to me.”
Hungary’s position has drawn doubts over whether it belongs in the European Union. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen last week denounced the bill as “clearly” discriminatory, saying “it goes against all the values, the fundamental values of the European…
The EU’s VAT system was last updated in 1993 and has not kept pace with the rise in cross-border e-commerce that has transformed the retail sector in recent years. The Coronavirus pandemic has also further accelerated the boom in online retail, and again underlined the need for reform to ensure that the VAT due on online sales gets paid to the country of the consumer. The new rules also respond to the need to simplify life for shoppers and traders alike.
The new rules come into force on 1 July and will affect online sellers and marketplaces/platforms both inside and outside the EU, postal operators and couriers, customs and tax administrations, as well as consumers.
What is changing?
As of 1 July 2021, a number of changes will be introduced to the way that VAT is charged on online sales, whether consumers buy from traders within or outside the EU:
Under the current system, goods imported into the EU valued at less than €22 by non-EU companies are exempt from VAT. As of Thursday, this exemptionis lifted so that VAT is charged on all goods entering the EU – just like for goods sold by EU businesses. Studies and experience have shown that this exemption is being abused, with unscrupulous sellers from outside the EU mislabelling consignments of goods, e.g. smartphones, in order to benefit from the exemption. This loophole allows these companies to undercut their EU competitors and costs EU treasuries an estimated €7 billion a year in fraud, leading to a bigger tax burden for other taxpayers.
Currently, e-commerce sellers need to have a VAT registration in each Member State in which they have a turnover above a certain overall threshold, which varies from country to country. From 1 July, these different thresholds will be replaced by one common EU threshold of €10,000 above which the VAT must be paid in the Member State where the goods are delivered. To simplify life for these companies and to make it much easier for them to sell into other Member States, online sellers may now register for an electronic portal called the ‘One Stop Shop’ where they can take care of all of their VAT obligations for their sales across the whole of the EU. This €10,000 threshold is already applicable for electronic services sold online since 2019.
Rather than grappling with complicated procedures in other countries, they can register in their own Member State and in their own language. Once registered, the online retailer can notify and pay VAT in the One Stop Shop for all of their EU sales via a quarterly declaration. The One Stop Shop will take care of transmitting the VAT to the respective Member State.
In the same vein, the introduction of an Import One Stop Shop for non-EU sellers will allow them to register easily for VAT in the EU, and will ensure that the correct amount of VAT makes its way to the Member State in which it is finally due. For consumers, this means a lot more transparency: when you buy from a non-EU seller or platform registered in the One Stop Shop, VAT should be part of the price you pay to the seller. That means no more calls from customs or courier services asking for an extra payment when the goods arrive in your home country, because the VAT has already been paid.
Already, businesses outside the EU have been registering in large numbers for the Import One Stop Shop, including the biggest global online marketplaces.
Online Conference – 39 Years of Resistance for a Free Iran.
Former Senator Robert Torricelli.
Baroness Sandy Verma
Iranian opposition President Maryam Rajavi, head of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI).
Members of Iranian opposition PMOI-MEK in Ashraf 3 during the virtual conference – June 20, 2020 – Albania.
Rama Yade, former French Secretary of Human Rights.
Michele de Vaucouleurs, Member of the French National Assembly.
Steve McCabe, Member of UK Parliament, former Parliamentary Whip.
Since the beginning, the mullahs’ regime betrayed the trust of the Iranian people. The regime has executed 120,000 opponents since 1979,” said Íngrid Betancourt
‘Iran’s 40-year history clearly shows the necessity and rightfulness of June 20, 1981. For this reason, the passage of all these years has failed to push it into oblivion,’ Maryam Rajavi said.”
— NCRI
PARIS, FRANCE, June 27, 2021 /EINPresswire.com/ — Iranians, supporters of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) and the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), along with numerous renowned politicians from both sides of the Atlantic will join a virtual conference on June 20, commemorating the beginning of the 40th year of Resistance against the religious fascism ruling Iran.On June 20, 1981, following two-and-a-half years of peaceful political activities despite the regime’s brutality, half a million MEK supporters in Tehran staged a peaceful protest, marching toward the Majlis (Parliament). The regime’s founder and then-Supreme Leader Ruhollah Khomeini ordered the Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) to open fire on the crowd.
Hundreds were killed and thousands were arrested and subsequently executed; many were not even identified. June 20 is therefore remembered as the day of the Martyrs and Political Prisoners. By killing people on the streets, the regime lost its political legitimacy, and its reign of terror began. MEK leader Mr. Massoud Rajavi established the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) as a viable alternative to the regime.
With the MEK as the largest group within this democratic coalition of opposition forces. Since 1981, the MEK has paid the price of freedom and democracy by sacrificing over 120,000 of its members and supporters, while thousands of prisoners have endured various forms of torture and on the other hand, showed the regime’s brutality to the whole world and exposed its secret activities to obtain a nuclear bomb.
The MEK and its Resistance Units in Iran have been playing a leading role in the Iranian people’s uprisings, such as during the nationwide Iran protests in November, which shook the regime’s foundation.
Former Senator Robert Torricelli
what we believe is an ensuing victory that is more than on the horizon,” said former Senator Robert Torricelli
“All people, no matter how suppressed, it doesn’t make a difference. Dictators all suffer the same end.
“To be in this struggle in the last 30 years has been one of the proudest fights of my life. When the history of the new Iranian revolution will be written, they will be proud of the leadership and decisions made by the Iranian Resistance. In every city and street across the nation, slogans and statements are coordinated and brought to the movement. The MEK and Mrs. Rajavi are virtually welcomed in most capitals across the world,” Senator Torricelli continued.
“The distance we have traveled is almost unimaginable. The burden in this fight is not equally shared. Humanity is pushed forth by a brave few. You were part of this for 10, 20, 40 years. Some of you have paid prices that are beyond money. It has been your burden in history.
“There is a reward. For generations and generations, as has been in America, France, and nations all across the world, generations will remember, study and appreciate what you did.
“To Mrs. Rajavi, I will always be grateful for the opportunity to join this fight. You have not only saved the movement and your struggle, but you have saved your people. History bends toward justice, and justice, in this case, is success and victory,” Senator Torricelli concluded.
Baroness Sandy Verma
“During these difficult times, we must remember the four long decades of sacrifice that have been made. Over 120,000 PMOI members have been tortured and executed. Yet the regime has not been able to silence the resistance movement led by my dear sister Maryam Rajavi,” said Baroness Sandy Verma.
“Today, the regime is terrified by the organized NCRI resistance movement, its president-elect, and its support among the young generation in Iran. Regime officials warn of popular protests because of growing dissent in the Iranian society,” she added.
“The world is witnessing the rejection of dictatorship in anti-regime protests. It is vital to stand up to suppression and tyranny. The UK has an opportunity to show that there is a viable alternative to the mullahs’ regime. The people of Iran deserve a prosperous future. No government, group, or individual must rest easy until the people of Iran enjoy freedom. We remain with you, we will be there in celebration with madam Rajavi and all of you,” Baroness Sandy Verma concluded.
Iranian opposition President Maryam Rajavi, head of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI)
“Iran’s 40-year history clearly shows the necessity and rightfulness of June 20, 1981. For this reason, the passage of all these years has failed to push it into oblivion,” NCRI President Maryam Rajavi said.
In her speech, Mrs. Rajavi laid out the sacrifices made by the members of the Iranian Resistance during the decades that have passed since that fateful day, including the summer 1988 massacre of political prisoners in the dungeons of the regime and the mullahs’ numerous terrorist attacks and plots against resistance members across the globe.
“The rebellious generation which has risen up in the current uprisings of the people of Iran has blossomed from the rightfulness of those sacrifices,” Mrs. Rajavi added.
“The uprisings which began in December 2017 and culminated in the furious uprising in November 2019, has brought the strategy (of resistance) launched on June 20, 1981, into fruition in Iran’s streets. That strategy is now speaking loud and clear.”
Mrs. Rajavi stressed that despite the regime’s widespread efforts to suppress uprisings, the protests movement is growing thanks to the efforts of the brave Resistance Units inside Iran.
“[Iranian regime Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and President Hassan Rouhani are trying to obstruct the path leading to the threat of uprisings and overthrow by implementing a strategy of inflicting death and mass human casualties. But this barrier lacks in strength and will not last long, because the mullahs are stuck in a vortex leading to their overthrow,” the NCRI President continued.
A measure of the regime’s desperate situation is its ongoing demonization campaign.
“There is not a single day in which the regime ceases to spread lies and demonization against the PMOI and the Iranian Resistance. But, this attempt has backfired and inadvertently, every day, the regime is actually pointing the Iranian society and especially the youth who are seeking freedom and justice to the direction of its democratic alternative,” the Iranian opposition President added.
Mrs. Rajavi stressed that the Iranian Resistance will shatter the chain of plots by the clerical regime in its final phase.
“At this juncture, for the crisis-ridden regime, the crux of the matter is to eliminate the sole democratic alternative to ensure the mullahs’ survival,” she continued.
Also worth noting is the regime’s continued terrorist attempts against the Iranian Resistance, which has become the focus of international attention in the past few years.
“The regime’s leaders must face justice as the greatest perpetrators of terrorism in the world today as should their agents and mercenaries inside and outside Iran,” the NCRI President emphasized.
Mrs. Rajavi reiterated that the people of Iran have made it clear through their uprisings that they want to overthrow the mullahs’ regime. Her message to the international community: “We have always said and reiterated that this regime should not be allowed to obtain even a single bullet; it should not pocket even a single dollar in oil revenues, and it should not spend even a single dollar out of revenues that belong to the Iranian people.”
She also underlined the need for continued sanctions and the restoration of UN Security Council resolutions against the regime.
“The global community must recognize the right to resist against the religious tyranny by the rebellious youth, Resistance Units and the Iranian people,” Mrs. Rajavi concluded.
Rama Yade, former French Secretary of Human Rights
“The mobilization of youth as never before is your victory. Ashraf 3 is your victory. Nothing can prevent your greatest victory,” said Rama Yade, former French Secretary of Human Rights. “We are together, yesterday, today, and tomorrow.”
Antonio Tasso, Member of the Italian Parliament
“In Iran, the youth are suppressed and arrested. This regime exploits even the novel coronavirus to kill political prisoners. This situation is unfortunately met with silence from Europe,” said Italian MP Antonio Tasso.
“Our states must condemn the leaders of this regime who have killed political prisoners in 1988 and protesters in 2019. We can not accept the appeasement attitude. The European Union must take a step forward. We must stand with the Iranian people,” Mr. Tasso added.
“We must be with the victims of the regime’s cruelties. We must acknowledge that the regime must not have a seat at the United Nations. I stand by the side of your organized resistance,” the Italian MP concluded. “I am an Ashrafi.”
Michele de Vaucouleurs, Member of the French National Assembly
“I am impressed by the uprisings of Iranian women and girls who are the victims of the regime’s misogynist rule. Honor crimes in Iran show the misogyny of the mullahs. The constitution of the theocratic government protects these crimes,” said French National Assembly Member Michele de Vaucouleurs.
“I renew my support for the initiative of Mrs. Rajavi to protect the rights of women in Iran,” she concluded.
Steve McCabe, Member of UK Parliament, former Parliamentary Whip
“It’s 40 years since the people’s revolution has been hijacked by the mullahs. They’re twisting and distorting religious beliefs for their own power. Throughout these years, the NCRI has survived,” said British MP Steve McCabe, a former Parliamentary Whip.
“Now the people are chanting down with the dictator, down with the supreme leader. The Iranian people know that a different future is possible. They know that Maryam Rajavi can lead the country to a different future. That is why the regime tries so hard to damage the reputation of the opposition,” Mr. McCabe added.
“The regime’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS) has admitted that it employs agents against the PMOI because of the growing support for the opposition. It doesn’t matter what the regime does. It is finished,” he continued.
“After 40 years, people are tired. There is a possible alternative future. I want the British government to be open in its support for NCRI and Madame Rajavi. Iran will be free,” British MP Steve McCabe concluded.
Ingrid Betancourt, former Colombian Senator, and presidential candidate
“Since the beginning, the mullahs’ regime betrayed the trust of the Iranian people. Thanks to evidence gathered by the MEK, we know the regime has executed 120,000 opponents since 1979,” said Íngrid Betancourt, former Colombian Senator, and presidential candidate.
“In the past 40 years, the regime has resorted to all means to destroy the resistance and its most organized member, the MEK. Its diplomacy has been to obtain appeasement from foreign countries and ban, deport and extradite MEK members,” she added.
“But the people of Iran have never accepted the regime in the past 40 years and have resisted. We are proud to be part of this resistance.
“The people are voicing for the overthrow of the mullahs’ regime. Their slogans are: ‘Reformers, hardliners, the game is over,’ ‘Death to Khamenei,’ and ‘The enemy is right here, not in America.’ This is in line with the calls made by the MEK,” Senator Betancourt continued.
“The regime resorted to brutal violence during the 2019 protests, killing at least 1,500 people. But the uprising has shown the overthrow of the regime is possible, and the role of the MEK is not only instrumental but essential,” Mrs. Betancourt emphasized.
“In Iran, the coronavirus has killed at least 50,000 people, but the regime claims that it has killed less than 10,000. Unlike other countries, the regime is not supporting the people during the novel coronavirus outbreak.
“The MEK is the only organization in the world that has fully embraced gender equality. Facing the most misogynistic regime in the world, a woman is leading the way, and we are proud of it,” the former Colombian presidential candidate highlighted.
“Today, the Iranian regime faces the most severe crisis of its 40 years of existence. It is at an impasse with no solution. The game is over. And we, all of us, we know that for Iran, to unlock the door to its democracy and peace, Maryam Rajavi and MEK are key.”
Faisal Odeh Al Rfouh, former Jordanian minister, Professor, University of Jordan
“The tyranny of the mullahs continues to this day. The international community must not remain silent about this,” said Faisal Odeh Al Rfouh, former Jordanian minister.
“Since the beginning of the novel coronavirus outbreak, the regime has abandoned the people and does not even declare how many people have been killed. The people of Iran are increasingly dying of COVID-19. Tens of thousands of prisoners are dealing with coronavirus. Some tried to flee prisons to escape COVID-19 infection, but the regime arrested and executed them.
“The regime is not interested in the health of the people. They only care about their own authority. They are using the coronavirus to kill the people. Instead, the regime is spending its money in Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq,” Professor Al Rfouh added.
“The regime is facing many crises, including the coronavirus crisis, economic crisis, social crisis, and internal disputes. The strategy of the regime is to export terrorism abroad. The entire region has lost its stability and security because of the meddling of the mullahs’ regime.
“Regime change will restore security and stability in the region,” Professor Al Rfouh continued.
Hermann Tertsch, Member of the European Parliament
“Even with all the appeasement and collaboration the regime has enjoyed by western countries, it is in a critical phase. The resistance is stronger every day. We still have enormous tasks in fighting this common enemy of the Iranian people and all freedom-loving people across the world,” said European Parliament Member Hermann Tertsch.
“All forces must unite to support the resistance in Iran to finish this history of terror that is 40 years old.
“I hope that the NCRI celebrates in not a long time the triumph of bringing democracy to Iran,” the MEP concluded.
Rita Seusmouth
You’re a bright example Mrs. Rajavi. Your main goal is equality and equal value of men and women, in leadership positions, to show people we are not without power. The equality of men and women is an important chapter for freedom in Iran or any other country in the world.
We all hope for freedom in Iran very soon. It’s about change that you are living and showing to all of us. We are happy that you are leading this example. It’s been 40 years and you have been tireless. We always need examples like you are leading at the moment.
I hope that you are brave and will continue to do great things.
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p class=”contact c9″ dir=”auto”>Shahin Gobadi NCRI +33 6 50 11 98 48 email us here Visit us on social media: Facebook Twitter
International support for Maryam Rajavi’s ten-point plan for a democratic Iran
A year-long investigation led by the French National Gendarmerie (Gendarmerie Nationale – Section de Recherches d’Agen), under the authority of the investigating Magistrate at the Judicial court of Bergerac (Juge d’Instruction au Tribunal Judiciaire de Bergerac), with the support of Europol, has resulted in the dismantling of an organised crime group involved in large-scale financial fraud and money laundering across Europe.
A number of house searches were carried out in Paris on 23 June. A total of eight individuals – all of Ivorian origin or nationality – have been arrested as a result for their involvement in this scheme.
Usurping the name of existing French or foreign companies, the fraudsters would order goods of an important value with a payment delay of 30 days. Taking advantage of this delay, they would disappear with the goods and never honour the payment. Instead, the criminals would move the goods across Europe before handing them over to a Turkish criminal network in charge of their sale. The criminal proceeds were then laundered and reintegrated into the legal economy.
Over 80 companies – both in France and abroad, have been identified in the framework of the investigation carried out with the support of Europol. The total losses amount to at least €13 million.
Europol supported the action day in France by deploying two of its specialists to Paris. The evidence seized during the course of this action is now being analysed to identify further investigative leads across Europe.
The newly released report provides information on the security situation in Afghanistan, which is relevant for the assessment of international protection status determination, including refugee status and subsidiary protection.
The security situation in Afghanistan remains volatile. After the reduction in violence preceding the signing of the Doha agreement between the US and the Taliban on 29 February 2020, the Taliban resumed targeting government checkpoints and convoys. In terms of territorial control, the situation changes rapidly with the Taliban advancing in a growing number of Afghan districts. At the same time, civilians are continuously threatened by indiscriminate violence and targeted attacks.
Afghanistan: Security Situation Report provides information about relevant security trends in the period between 1 January 2020 and 31 May 2021.The first part of the report provides a general overview of the security situation in the country, including conflict background and actors involved and main security incidents and their impact on the civilian population. The second part holds a geographic subdivision, focusing in greater detail on the security situation in all 34 provinces and Kabul city, and provides a description of the armed actors, recent security incidents as well as data on civilian casualties and conflict-induced displacements. The report was co-drafted by СOI experts from Belgium, Office of the Commissioner General for Refugees and Stateless Persons, Cedoca (Centre for Documentation and Research); France, Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless persons (OFPRA), Information, Documentation and Research Division (DIDR); Poland, Department of Refugee and Asylum Proceedings, and researchers from EASO COI Sector, in accordance with the EASO COI Report Methodology. The report was reviewed by experts from Denmark, Danish Immigration Service (DIS); Hungary, National Directorate-General of Origin Information Centre; Norway, Landinfo, the Norwegian Country of Origin Information Centre; Slovakia, Migration Office, Department of Documentation and Foreign Cooperation, and ACCORD, the Austrian Centre for Country of Origin and Asylum Research and Documentation.
In 2020, Afghanistan continued to remain the second most important country of origin in EU+. During the year, Afghans lodged 48 578 applications in the EU+ countries, which represented a decrease of 16 % compared to 2019 but constituted a higher number of applications compared to 2018. The recognition rate for Afghans was 53 % in 2020, an increase of 5 % from 2019. At the end of April 2021, around 41 100 Afghans were awaiting a first instance decision, accounting for 11 % of all pending cases in EU+. However, the backlog of Afghan cases pending longer than six months increased after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and remained above pre-pandemic levels.1 While in 2020 Greece, Germany, and France were the main receiving countries for applications lodged by Afghan nationals, the top three countries in the period between January and March 2021 were Germany, France, and Romania.2
Any further information may be obtained from the European Asylum Support Office on the following email address: press@easo.europa.eu
Notes ____
[1] This overview is based on EASO Early warning and Preparedness System (EPS) data
[2] Eurostat, Asylum and first time asylum applicants by citizenship, age and sex – annual aggregated data (rounded) as of 24 June 2021
Nikolai Malinov, accused of espionage by the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office, is currently in Moscow, where he is holding a number of meetings. The leader of the “Russophiles” movement was accused of putting himself in the service of a foreign organization to serve as a spy in order to divulge information that was a state secret.
Nikolai Malinov is currently in Moscow. He is adamant that there is no evidence against him.
“Once we play cards, fine. We’ll see what they bet on. All they have are bare accusations, without a single fact. I’ve never had access to classified information in my life so I can get it. “Somewhere to pass it on to someone. My positions have always been public. In front of all the media, after I was released from prison, they said that I would continue to do what I do. And I am adamant that this is right for Bulgaria,” Malinov said. in front of the Bulgarian New Television.
“The protections and defenses in the courtroom rely only on the lawyer. I will have a number of meetings today. I am currently at my hotel in the center of Moscow. I will meet with the head of the fourth department at the Foreign Ministry, who is in charge of the Balkans, as well as with Senator Klimov. We will discuss our party cooperation with him. Afterwards, I will meet with the director of the Kremlin’s foreign policy department. In the evening I will have dinner with Gavrailov and Baburin “, explained the leader of “Russophiles”.
He stressed that the Double-Headed Eagle is a non-governmental organization and that a precedent would be set in world law.
“Spying for an NGO – such a case will be the first in the world. In Bulgaria there was a similar case in the distant 1978 and failed. Vladimir Putin’s Institute for Strategic Studies is officially engaged in analyzing the situation throughout “I’m glad to go to court,” the “Russophiles” leader said.
Two years later, the investigation against Malinov entered court. He will be tried for “putting himself in the service of a foreign organization to serve as a spy” in order to divulge a state secret. The spy saga began in 2019, when Malinov was accused of espionage and arrested. He was later released on bail. It was then that another scandal erupted because footage of Malinov and Russian President Vladimir Putin appeared. It turned out that the then chairman of the “Russophiles” Association had received permission to leave the country and thus went to Russia, where Putin presented him with an order.
North Korea is not considering any contacts with the United States. This was stated by Foreign Minister Yi Song-guon, quoted by Reuters.
Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons program has been a problem for Washington for years.
“We are not even considering the possibility of contact with the United States, let alone making one that would lead us nowhere, taking only valuable time,” I said in a statement issued by the Korean Central Telegraph Agency.
His statement came after the new US special envoy to North Korea said in Seoul on Monday that he looked forward to a “soon-to-be positive response” from Pyongyang for dialogue.
North Korea’s nuclear weapons program has been a problem for Washington for years, and to change that, President Joe Biden’s government has analyzed the policy pursued so far and said it would seek a “corrected and practical” approach to persuading Pyongyang to disarm. nuclear attitude.
Yesterday, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said that the United States seemed to be misinterpreting signals coming from North Korea.
Kim Jong-un, a senior figure in the DPRK’s ruling Communist Party, responded in this way to US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, who said on Sunday that he considered Kim Jong-un’s recent speech on readiness an “interesting signal”. both for confrontation and for diplomacy with the United States.
It is unclear whether all 27 EU leaders will participate, or only Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel.
France and Germany proposed a European Union summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin today in a bid to improve relations, two diplomats said. This potentially paves the way for the first such meeting in 2014, Reuters reported.
Such an event will follow another of US President Joe Biden’s summit with Putin in Geneva earlier this month, and reflects concerns in Paris and Berlin that the EU’s approach to Russia in recent years has focused mainly on sanctions against Moscow. BTA.
We need a discussion on how to break away from this negative spiral, but we need to move forward unitedly, said a senior EU diplomat, adding that some Baltic states, which are cautious about Russia, may not agree to such a high level meeting.
Such summits were suspended after Russia annexed the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea in 2014.
Tomorrow, EU leaders will discuss a new strategy for managing deteriorating relations with Russia at their two-day meeting in Brussels. Germany and France gave some ideas for the debate on Russia at the summit. Merkel mentioned earlier that it is not only the United States that needs to talk to Russia (and China) at the highest level.
“Russia is a neighbor. Such a format was already used in 2007 in Finland,” said a staff member preparing for the meeting.
Earlier this month, a strategic document from the European Commission and the EU’s diplomatic service said that despite years of tension, the EU and Russia have a fundamental shared responsibility for peace and security on the European continent.
Despite Western accusations that Russia is behind cyberattacks, misinformation and other insidious actions, which the Kremlin denies, the country is the community’s fifth largest trading partner and the EU is Russia’s largest foreign investor.
It all started in 1854 at the Battle of Balaclava during the Crimean War when a red-uniformed Scottish Highland Regiment formed a long line and extraordinarily halted a Russian cavalry charge. This act of bravery inspired a phrase still in use today – the thin red line, which is echoed in the term thin blue line often used in the context of law enforcement – as a thinly stretched resource, resisting far greater forces. The thin blue line flag graphic has appeared on everything from police coffee cups to COVID-19 masks.
The ‘cavalry charge’ is now taking place in cyberspace, as a significant and ever increasing aspect of police work today is dedicated to providing safety and security online. This not only means protecting the rule of law and victims online, but also serving the online community. In doing so, law enforcement is confronted with a number of challenges that, at their core, link to the question on where to draw the thin blue line in cyberspace.
Published today, the Cyber Blue Line report – the latest publication in the Europol Specialist Reporting series, highlights these challenges and identifies a number of pertinent issues which require debate, and thought leadership.
Join the discussion
From the thin red line, to the thin blue line, to the Cyber Blue Line: Where does responsibility now lie when it comes to maintaining secure and safe societies in cyberspace?
The two authors of the report – Prof. Dr. Mary Aiken and Dr. Philipp Amann, explore the changing ways in which policing could be approached, in the real world and cyberspace, in a continuously evolving technological upheaval.
Prof. Dr. Mary Aiken is a world-leading expert in Cyberpsychology – the study of the impact of technology on human behaviour. She is a Professor of Cyberpsychology and Department Chair at Capitol Technology University Washington DC, a Professor of Forensic Cyberpsychology at the University of East London, and an Adjunct Professor at the Geary Institute for Public Policy, University College Dublin, Ireland. Prof. Dr. Aiken is an Academic Advisor to Europol’s European Cybercrime Centre (EC3). Prof. Dr. Aiken holds a PhD degree in Forensic Cyberpsychology, and a MSc in Cyberpsychology.
Dr. Philipp Amann is the Head of Expertise & Stakeholder Management at Europol’s European Cybercrime Centre (EC3) and responsible for assessing and acting on relevant trends and threats related to cybercrime and cyber-security. Other key areas of responsibility include managing EC3’s advisory groups, prevention & awareness and technology foresight. Dr. Amann holds a PhD degree in business informatics from the University of Vienna and a MSc in Forensic Computing and Cybercrime Investigation from the University College Dublin.
Europol, as the collective voice of European law enforcement, strives to provide a platform for important discussions by facilitating multi-stakeholder dialogue to discuss responsibility, accountability, safety and security now mediated by technology.
Are you an academic or a think tank with an interest in this topic? Then please get in touch with us at press[at]europol.europa.eu to discuss how we could work together to discuss, debate and conceptualise the Cyber Blue Line.
Also on #CoRplenary agenda: Resolution on cross-border cooperation, and recommendations on Green Deal dossiers, digital services, smart mobility, and regional airports.
Three vice-presidents of the European Commission will address the European Committee of the Regions on 30 June, discussing efforts to strengthen and deepen democracy, build inclusive societies, and improve EU legislation. Vice-President Věra Jourová will present the European Democracy Action Plan to empower citizens and build more resilient democracies, Vice-President Margaritis Schinas will highlight the role of education and culture in protecting the European way of life, while Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič will set out the European Commission’s work programme as well as the Commission’s efforts to embed strategic foresight into its work. Members of the CoR will also discuss the Conference on the Future of Europe with the three MEPs leading the work of the European Parliament in the EU-wide consultation.
30 June: Debate with Maroš Šefčovič, Vice-President of the European Commission, on better regulation, foresight and the European Commission’s work programme
Maroš Šefčovič, Vice-President of the European Commission, will update local and regional leaders on the progress of the EU’s Better Regulation Agenda, including the EU’s efforts to improve outreach to regions and other stakeholders and how the Commission is seeking to integrate strategic foresight its agenda. He will also discuss the European Commission’s Work Programme 2022; the CoR will at the plenary session adopt a resolution on the Work Programme. CoR contributions to the Better Regulation Agenda include its pioneering feedback mechanism, RegHub 2.0.
30 June: Debate with Margaritis Schinas, Vice-President of the European Commission, on promoting the European way of life
The CoR will welcome Margaritis Schinas, Vice-President of the European Commission for Promoting our European Way of Life, to its plenary for a debate on the role of education and culture in creating inclusive societies.
30 June: Debate with members of the executive board members of the Conference on the Future of Europe
MEPs Manfred Weber (DE/EPP), Guy Verhofstadt (BE/RE), and Iratxe García Pérez (ES/S&D) will join the European Committee of the Regions to discuss the recently launched Conference on the Future of Europe. The Conference will entail months consultations to identify areas of life on which citizens would like to see the EU focus its work, leading to a set of recommendations for EU decision-makers in spring 2022. The three MEPs are members of the Conference’s executive board. The CoR, which is organising citizens’ dialogues across the Union as part of its contribution to an open, inclusive, transparent and structured debate, will be represented by 18 members in the Conference’s concluding plenary.
30 June: Debate with Věra Jourová, Vice-President of the European Commission, on the European Democracy Action Plan
Věra Jourová, Vice-President of the European Commission for Values and Transparency, will on 30 June discuss the European Democracy Action Plan, which seeks to protect the integrity of electoral processes, involve and empower the public, strengthen the media, and address challenges such as disinformation. At the plenary, CoR members will adopt recommendations on the European Democracy Action Plan drafted by Alexandra Dulkiewicz (PL/EPP), mayor of Gdańsk, and recommendations on the EU’s strategy to strengthen the application of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, drafted by Jean-Luc Vanraes (BE/RE), member of Uccle Municipal Council.
KEY DEBATES
Wednesday, 30 June, 3.00 p.m.: Debate on Better Regulation, Foresight and the European Commission Work Programme for 2022, with Maroš Šefčovič, Vice-President of the European Commission for Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight.
Wednesday, 30 June, 4.00 p.m.: Debate on promoting European values through culture and education, with Margaritis Schinas, Vice-President of the European Commission for Promoting our European Way of Life.
Wednesday, 30 June, 5.30 p.m.: Debate on the Conference on the Future of Europe, with MEPs Manfred Weber (DE/EPP), Guy Verhofstadt (BE/Renew Europe), and Iratxe García Pérez (ES/S&D).
Wednesday, 30 June, 6.20 p.m.: Debate on the European Democracy Action Plan, with Věra Jourová, Vice-President of the European Commission for Values and Transparency.
RESOLUTIONS FOR ADOPTION
On the European Commission Work Programme for 2022.
On the Future of Cross-Border Cooperation.
OPINIONS FOR ADOPTION
European Democracy Action Plan.Rapporteur:Alexandra Dulkiewicz(PL/EPP), mayor of Gdańsk.
Communication on the new strategy to strengthen the application of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. Rapporteur:Jean-Luc Vanraes(BE/RE), member of Uccle Municipal Council.
On the Digital Services Act and the Digital Markets Act. Rapporteur: Rodi Kratsa(EL/EPP), Governor of Ionian Islands Region.
An Action Plan for the Social Economy. Rapporteur:Mikel Irujo Amezaga(ES/EA), Director-General for External Action of the Government of Navarre.
Future plan for care workers and care services – local and regional opportunities in the context of a European challenge. Rapporteur: Heinrich Dorner(AT/PES), member of the State Government of Burgenland.
Delivering on the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Rapporteur:Ricardo Rio(PT/EPP), Mayor of Braga.
Forging a climate-resilient Europe – the new EU Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change.Rapporteur:Markku Markkula(FI/EPP), Chair of the Espoo City Board and President of the Helsinki Region.
Stepping up Europe’s 2030 climate ambition towards COP26.Rapporteur: Vincent Chauvet(FR/RE), Mayor of Autun.
Resilience of critical entities. Rapporteur:Mario Guarente(IT/ECR), Mayor of Potenza.
Revised Trans-European Energy Infrastructure Regulation fit for the Green and Digital Transition.Rapporteur:Robert Sorin Negoiță(RO/EPP), Mayor of District 3, Bucharest Municipality.
Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy.Rapporteur:Robert Van Asten(NL/RE), Alderman of The Hague.
The future of regional airports-challenges and opportunities. Rapporteur: Władysław Ortyl(PL/ECR), President of the Podkarpackie Region and president of the ECR group.
Renewed partnership with the Southern Neighbourhood: A new Agenda for the Mediterranean.Rapporteur: Vincenzo Bianco(IT/PES), member of Catania Municipal Council.
Practical information:
Location: Hybrid online and in-person – Jacques Delors Building (Room JDE 52), European Committee of the Regions, rue Belliard 99-101, 1040 Brussels
Date: Wednesday, 30 June – Thursday, 1 July 2021.
Background material: The plenary agendaand opinions, with amendments.
The webinar looked at the state of digital transformation in European regions, taking stock of the latest research showing an increasing digital divide across European regions and urban-rural communities. Invited speakers shared their views on how public authorities at all levels can facilitate the digital transition of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), showcasing some best practices and collaboration initiatives from the European Entrepreneurial Regions.
In the opening session, Mr IvanŠtefanec, Member of the European Parliament and President of SME Europe, identified three topics crucial for accelerating the digital transition of SMEs – the need to work on the digital infrastructure, digital skills and the legal framework for the digital economy.
Ms Outi Slotboom from the European Commission’s DG GROW provided some facts and figures explaining why small businesses tend to lag behind in digital transition. She indicated that EU programmes and instruments had to be designed in a way to address diverse needs of SMEs – addressing advanced companies with more sophisticated digital solutions and, on the other hand, providing more basic forms of support for traditional companies.
Mr Eddy Van Hijum, member of the CoR and rapporteur on the SME Strategy, said that European programmes should strike a balance between supporting R&D and innovation of front runners in advanced technologies and providing more conventional support for the application of proven digital technologies in smaller businesses and family firms in various sectors. Mr Van Hijum highlighted the importance of involving local and regional authorities in the development and implementation of national recovery plans, also in their parts related to digitalisation.
The first panel session of the webinar was dedicated to the presentation of preliminary results of the study run by the European Committee of the Regions ECON commission on ‘The state of digital transformation at regional level and COVID-19 induced changes to economy and business models, and their consequences for regions’. Representatives of the Formit Foundation (MsSimona Cavallini) and Eurochambres (Mr Christoph Riedmann) revealed concerns over the growing territorial digital divide in Europe. The final report, expected to be published by mid-July, proposes a framework for measuring digital preparedness in regions, identifies the specific contextual conditions which are needed to favour the digital transformation of SMEs and analyses the type of support local and regional authorities may provide. The study builds on a survey responded by 87 entities (LRAs, chambers of commerce, etc.) from 21 EU countries and further illustrations through 8 in-depth case studies.
Reacting to the study results, Mr Dan Dalton from Allied for Start-ups, said that the pandemic has emphasised the importance of digitalisation in the economy and created new market opportunities for start-ups across Europe. He stressed the importance of public financing to be used as a framework to unlock private investment and to address market failures, such as digital infrastructure in rural areas.
The second panel session provided an opportunity to look in a greater detail into regional instruments supporting digitalisation of SMEs, building on the collaboration and best practices in the European Entrepreneurial Regions (EER).
The session started with a presentation by Ms Anne-Marie Sassen from the European Commission’s DG CONNECT, focussing on ways how EU instruments such as Digital Innovation Hubs (DIHs), clusters and industry alliances can foster digital transition of SMEs. Ms Sassen has particularly highlighted the ongoing pre-selection process for EDIHs , explaining the added value of promoting networking of EDIHs, clusters and Europe Enterprise Network offices to offer a seamless service to SMEs on the ground.
Mr Vincent Duchêne from the Idea Consult, partner in the ongoing collaboration project of the EER regions, presented a framework of the EER regions’ collaboration in the area of digital transition. The main focus of the cooperation in this area is currently on the future collaboration between EDIHs.
Further presentations from representatives of the North Brabant (EER 2013), Lower Austria (EER 2017) and Silesia (EER 2021-22) delivered an insight into some best practices for supporting SMEs by regional authorities, using available EU programmes. Speakers highlighted the key objectives and benefits resulting from cross-regional cooperation on digitalisation.
In the conclusion, Mr Michael Murphy, President of the CoR ECON commission, said that,in order to meet the objectives of Europe’s Digital Decade,public authorities in the EU need amulti-level, collaborative and inclusive approach to promote digital transition and digital cohesion in the EU, wisely using the resources of the MFF and the Recovery and Resilience Facility . Mr Murphy said that the digital adoption and catch-up of existing SMEs should be among the top priorities in the new EU digital programmes.
The final report of the CoR/Eurochambres on ‘The state of digital transformation at regional level and COVID-19 induced changes to economy and business models, and their consequences for regions’ will be published by mid-July and you will receive a link by e-mail.
On 13 July 2021, the CoR, in cooperation with the Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the EU, will hold the Enlargement Day.
After June’s meetings of the CoR’s Working Groups and Joint Consultative Committees with candidate countries and potential candidates, this unique annual event, organized online this year, will discuss the role of regions and cities in the EU accession process and sustainable recovery pathways in the region.
Africa is facing a fast-surging third wave of COVID-19 pandemic, with cases spreading more rapidly and projected to soon overtake the peak of the second wave the continent witnessed at the start of 2021.
COVID-19 cases have risen for five consecutive weeks since the onset of the third wave on 3 May 2021. As of 20 June—day 48 into the new wave—Africa had recorded around 474 000 new cases—a 21% increase compared with the first 48 days of the second wave. At the current rate of infections, the ongoing surge is set to surpass the previous one by early July.
The pandemic is resurging in 12 African countries. A combination of factors including weak observance of public health measures, increased social interaction and movement as well as the spread of variants are powering the new surge. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda that are experiencing COVID-19 resurgence, the Delta variant has been detected in most samples sequenced in the past month. Across Africa, the variant—first identified in India—has been reported in 14 countries.
“The third wave is picking up speed, spreading faster, hitting harder. With rapidly rising case numbers and increasing reports of serious illness, the latest surge threatens to be Africa’s worst yet,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa. “Africa can still blunt the impact of these fast-rising infections, but the window of opportunity is closing. Everyone everywhere can do their bit by taking precautions to prevent transmission.”
WHO is deploying more experts to some of the worst-affected countries, including Uganda and Zambia as well as supporting South Africa-based regional laboratories to monitor variants of concern. WHO is also boosting innovative technological support to other laboratories in the region without sequencing capacities to better monitor the evolution of the virus. In the next six months, WHO is aiming for an eight- to ten-fold increase in the samples sequenced each month in Southern African countries.
The COVID-19 upsurge comes as the vaccine supply crunch persists. Eighteen African countries have used over 80% of their COVAX vaccine supplies, with eight having exhausted their stocks. Twenty-nine countries have administered over 50% of their supplies. Despite the progress, just over 1% of Africa’s population has been fully vaccinated. Globally, around 2.7 billion doses administered, of which just under 1.5% have been administered in the continent.
As many high-income countries vaccinate a significant proportion of their populations, proof of vaccination is leading to fewer movement restrictions. Globally,16 countries are waiving quarantine for those with a vaccination certificate. Measures to prevent COVID-19 transmission are crucial, but with many African countries having limited access to vaccines, it is important that vaccines be only one of the conditions countries use to open borders and increase freedom of movement.
“With high vaccination rates it’s shaping up into a summer of freedom, family and fun for millions of people in richer countries. This is understandable and we all long for the same joys,” said Dr Moeti. “Vaccine shortages are already prolonging the pain of COVID-19 in Africa. Let’s not add injury to injustice. Africans must not face more restrictions because they are unable to access vaccines that are only available elsewhere. I urge all regional and national regulatory agencies to recognize all the vaccines Emergency Use listed by WHO.”
In the European Union, a COVID-19 passport system for vaccination, testing and recovery will take effect from 1 July. However, only four of the eight vaccines listed by WHO for emergency use are recognized by the European Medicines Agency for the passport system.
WHO and the European Medicines Agency use the same standards in assessing vaccines. Manufacturers may choose not to apply to the European Medicines Agency if they do not intend to market their products in countries in the European Union or European Economic Area. But the safety and efficacy of all WHO emergency use listed vaccines has been proven globally in preventing severe COVID-19 illness and death.
In Africa, a WHO survey of 45 countries show that their borders are open for air travel and only Mauritius will require proof of vaccination for international travellers from 15 July 2021. Most countries do not give quarantine exemptions for travellers who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and require a negative COVID-19 test.
Dr Moeti spoke during a virtual press conference today facilitated by APO Group. She was joined by Mr Kamil Alawadi, Regional Vice President for Africa and Middle East, International Air Transport Association (IATA). Also on hand to answer questions were Dr Richard Mihigo, Coordinator, Immunization and Vaccines Development Programme, WHO Regional Office for Africa, Dr Thierno Balde, Team Leader, Operational Partnerships, WHO Regional Office for Africa, and Dr Nicksy Gumede-Moeletsi, Regional Virologist, WHO Regional Office for Africa. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.
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